CATALYST FOR CHANGE | Inspire Action, Design Impact Today

In partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago , [alt_], and Mutuall Design, Justice in Residence’s annual flagship design competition brings together emerging creatives, movement organizations, and creative agencies to design for good.
Catalyst for Change (C4C) challenges emerging creatives to use their skills to address real community issues. Through mentorship, collaboration, and resources, designers and creative thinkers turn ideas into impactful campaigns that inspire action and drive systems change.
EMERGING DESIGNERS
Students and early-career creatives passionate about using design, strategy, and marketing to make an impact.
MOVEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Community-based organizations who bring real issues, insight, and collaboration.
DESIGN AGENCIES
Creative professionals and firms who mentor, provide feedback, and invest in the next generation.
RESOURCE FAIR for networking, portfolio and résumé reviews, career resources, and opportunities to build relationships across the creative community.
MENTOR WALKTHROUGHS and COLLABORATION across generations and sectors.
Rapid DESIGN SPRINTS to generate bold, community-centered ideas.
Team presentations to a panel of expert JUDGES from design, nonprofit, education, and civic leadership.
AWARDS celebrating innovation, social impact, and emerging talent.
We are seeking tech and design agencies to help inspire and support the next generation of designers.
Your team can make a lasting impact by:
- Mentoring a team during the competition.
- Providing portfolio reviews and career guidance.
- Offering internship opportunities.
- Hosting a table at the event to connect talented, passionate participants.
Contact info@justiceinresidence.org to get involved.

Colorful text design that reads 'Design for Good' with each word on a painted brush stroke background in yellow, pink, and blue.

FEATURING DJ

saturday

OCTOBER 24, 2026

[ALT_] CHICAGO

5645 W. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60644

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

11:40 AM - 4:00 PM

DESIGN COMPETITION & AWARDS

11:00 - 11:40 AM

RESOURCE FAIR & RECEPTION

4:00 - 6:00 PM

the movement organizations

Equity and Transformation (EAT) builds social and economic equity for Black workers in Chicago's informal economy. Founded by and for formerly incarcerated people, EAT pairs participatory research with policy advocacy and community organizing — decriminalizing informal work, opening pathways to employment, and shifting the narrative around who gets counted as a worker.

Black Men Bring Hope and Healing. Too many people accept the myth of absent Black men. Yet, here we are. In North Lawndale. Pouring our lives into the youth of our community, and their families. We grew up here. We loved the summer sounds of our friends playing, the birds chirping, and the water gushing out of the hydrants.

Territory is a youth-led place-based urban design studio in Chicago's Austin neighborhood where young people are building better futures for themselves and their community through the hands-on practice of design.

The Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy, chaired by Alderwoman Maria Hadden, advances policies that promote environmental justice, sustainability, climate resilience, and clean energy. The Committee works with communities, advocates, and stakeholders to address environmental challenges, protect public health, and build a healthier, more equitable Chicago.

OUR JUDGES

Nubia S. Henderson

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
NeoCon
Nubia S. Henderson is an Executive Producer whose 25-year career spans media, nonprofit leadership, education, and design. She currently directs NeoCon's year-round platform and champions diverse voices and emerging talent in commercial interiors. She serves on the boards of AIA Chicago Foundation, Designing a Better Chicago, and Hip Hop by Design.
NICOLE LAPORT

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Equity and Transformation (EAT)
Nicole Laport is the Director of Communications at Equity and Transformation (EAT). As a formerly incarcerated person (FIP) and Chicago artist, she channels her lived experience into powerful movement work, advocating for system-impacted individuals and driving systemic change through bold narrative strategy and community-led storytelling.
ROBERT "ROCK" CALHOUN

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Men Making a Difference (MMAD)
Robert “Rock” Calhoun is a founding member of Men Making a Difference (MMAD), established in 2008 in Chicago’s North Lawndale. Through grassroots leadership, youth mentorship, and community-driven programs, he transforms underutilized spaces into vital hubs for connection, opportunity, and neighborhood empowerment.
SHILPI KUMAR

CEO
Khoj Lab
Shilpi Kumar is a design strategist and founder of Khoj Lab, with 20+ years driving innovation and business growth for organizations like GE Transportation Digital and Herman Miller. She specializes in uncovering actionable insights, aligning business priorities with customer needs, and turning bold ideas into measurable results through inclusive, human-centered design.
LEANNE WAGNER

DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR UX
DePaul University
LeAnne Wagner is a professor in DePaul University’s School of Design and Director of PUSH Studio and the SPARK Center. Her work advances human-centered design, emerging technology, data visualization, and predictive analytics to foster equitable futures and address social impact challenges.
UTHMAN OLOWA

PROJECT MANAGER
McKissack & McKissack
Uthman is an architectural designer who creates spaces that affirm the cultural identities of Black and Brown communities. He holds an M.Arch from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Mechanical Engineering degree from Binghamton University. He is a Project Manager at McKissack & McKissack and teaches architecture studios at UIC.
GINA PARRA-HUGHES

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICY
Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy
Gina Parra-Hughes serves as Deputy Director of Policy for the City of Chicago’s Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy. Her work supports environmental policy, sustainability, and equitable solutions that strengthen communities, advance environmental justice, and build a healthier, more resilient Chicago.
JOHNNIE LOVETT

MANAGING PARTNER & SVP, STRATEGY
Unsurfaced™ / Ten35
Johnnie R. Lovett is a Chicago-born cultural intelligence architect and award-winning strategist in advertising, music, talent, and emerging technology. He is Head of Strategy at TEN35, founder and managing partner of Unsurfaced™, and leads business and rights at Rob Gueringer LLC. He also designed, wrote, and deployed Unsurfaced Intelligence himself.
HELEN SLADE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Territory NFP
Helen Slade is the Executive Director of Territory NFP, a licensed architect, public artist, and curator. She champions youth voices in shaping urban spaces, advancing creative approaches to community engagement, and empowering young people to reimagine their neighborhoods and city.
FOUNDER & CEO

LR Brand Consulting
Lindrea brings 18+ years of experience helping leaders and organizations express value, build trust, and advance human dignity through strategic storytelling. She’s a former University of Chicago instructor and Gerety Awards juror; her brand work includes Google, Illinois Public Health Institute, and Chicago Public Schools.